Knotless Braided Suture Anchor for Bone-Tendon-Bone Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture anchoring methods in arthroscopic procedures are time-consuming and limited by the strength of knots, which can be unreliable, especially if improperly tied, affecting the stability of tissue-to-bone repairs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a braided tubular suture configuration where ends are passed through apertures to form loops, which are then tensioned to constrict around soft tissue, providing a secure and stable anchor without the need for knots, using a locking mechanism to maintain tension and prevent relaxation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knot-based suture methods are used, then the procedure is well-established and simple to perform, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and the repair strength is limited by knot reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the traditional suture procedure. By using a preformed loop suture configuration where the suture ends are passed through a locking member and pulled to tighten the loop directly around the soft tissue, the complex knot-tying process is removed entirely, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining repair strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop formed before implantation. The loop is created by passing the suture ends through a passage in the suture body and pulling them through to form a predetermined loop structure. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need to form knots during the surgical procedure, saving time while ensuring consistent loop formation for reliable tissue anchoring.
2Strength
If traditional suture methods with knots are used, then the procedure is straightforward, but the strength of the repair is limited by the strength of the knot which may be significantly lower than the tensile strength of the suture material
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the knot element entirely from the suture system. Instead of relying on knot strength to maintain tension, the design uses a preformed loop configuration where tension is applied directly to the suture ends, which are then locked in place by passing through a locking member. This allows the full tensile strength of the suture material to be utilized without the weakening effect of knots.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking member is introduced as an intermediary component that secures the suture ends without requiring knots. The locking member has a passage through which the suture ends are passed, and when tension is applied, the locking mechanism prevents the suture ends from pulling back through, thereby maintaining tension and securing the soft tissue anchor without compromising suture strength.
3Loss of time
If a single preformed loop suture is used, then knot-tying time is reduced, but the suture may relax as a portion translates back through the passage when tension is relaxed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves as an intermediary mechanism that prevents suture relaxation. When the suture ends are passed through the locking member's passage and tension is applied to tighten the loop, the locking mechanism engages to prevent the suture ends from translating back through the passage when tension is released, thereby maintaining the desired tension and loop configuration stabilly.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop and the ends are pre-positioned to pass through the locking member passage. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when tension is applied during implantation, the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent relaxation, eliminating the need for additional securing steps and maintaining stable tension throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone.